Rights of People Detained Under the Mental Health Act

In our society there are those of us that require treatment for something other than broken bones or disease. Mental health is one of those issues that few people are willing to face, if someone has a cast on their leg, you can see immediately what is wrong with them; with mental illness it is difficult to know what to say, or do. We are often shown pictures in TV dramas of sociopaths and the mentally ill, as if they are all to be lumped in the same category: dangerous.

This is prejudice in one of its worst forms, born from a lack of understanding.

While the Mental Health Act and the Courts have not provided a definition, preferring instead to consider each person on a case-by-case basis, there is a general definition of ‘mental illness, arrested or incomplete development of mind, psychopathic disorder and any other disorder or disability of the mind’. This is very general and, since we still know so little about the workings of the human mind; maybe that is right.

The Mental Health Act

While the Act does not give a specific definition, it has given three distinct forms of mental disorder:

Severe mental impairment – which is incomplete or arrested mental development, usually with serious aggression.

Mental impairment – similar to severe mental impairment but with arrested intelligence and not as high a level of aggression.

Psychopathic disorder – which they term a ‘persistent disorder or disability of the mind with abnormal aggression or sociopathic tendencies

Now, I don’t know about you but they all sound fairly similar to me, however, I am not a Doctor so perhaps there are significant differences.

Informal Admission into Hospital

If a person is sufficiently aware that they are suffering from some form of mental illness, then they can choose to be admitted into hospital for treatment, just as they would if they had pneumonia, for example. Once admitted, they retain all their basic rights for care and protection from harm. Their rights are not diminished or restricted just because they may or may not have a mental disorder.

Admission Via the Court

A person can be forced to have mental health treatment if the court or another responsible body, such as social services, deem it necessary for their health and safety. This is known as ‘sectioning’ and is often treated as a last resort. This can be done for up to six months and would need to be renewed at the end of that period if further treatment is required.

An individual can also be admitted against their will for assessment, possibly following treatment, for a period of no longer than 28 days, under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act. If the treatment is unsuccessful or if the medical staff feel that further in-patient treatment is necessary then they cannot simply extend the stay; they must apply for the patient to be ‘sectioned’.

The Police have also been granted various powers to remove a person from their home or from a public place if there is a serious threat to life. They cannot admit someone to a Psychiatric Unit, however, they must deliver them to a hospital where the patient can be detained for up to six hours by the nurse or transferred to the requisite unit by a Doctor.

Patients Rights

During all of this it needs to be remembered that the patients themselves still have rights; they may, for the most part, be able to function in a lucid manner and understand what is happening to them. They are also still entitled to have their needs met in the form of food, housing and protection from abuse and harassment.

Were it not for the circumstance they find themselves in, then they would have every right to claim a breach of their human rights by the very fact that they have been detained, however the European Court of Human Rights, and our own Parliament, has stated that it is lawful to detain someone under these circumstances. In addition, the Mental Health Act goes to great lengths to ensure that patients are made aware of what is happening to them, the treatment they are to receive and that, if they wish, they can apply to the Mental Health Review Tribunal for an independent decision. You can read more about the type of medical treatment you receive and who consents for it here.

Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..

After a protracted period of illness, work related stress and personal misfortune I found myself at an all time low this week.I was unaware that I was so low as I have fibromyalgia and have been in a flare up for about 8 months, it makes it hard to tell when something else is wrong.
On Wednesday morning I found myself in a dangerous situation and started to have a panic attack (I often have these) I called for help as I knew the panic attack would have catastrophic results if I couldn't calm myself, talking helps.Within a short time police arrived, I was helped out of the situation and led away, by this time I was in full panic and not functioning well.The police informed me that I was to be detained for my own safety.It helped calm me, just the word 'safety' was enough.
I was taken to Wotton Lawn in Gloucester for my safety and to be cared for as a vulnerable person.I vaguely remember someone telling me my rights and it was basically that I had none.I was to wait for evaluation by three doctors and a senior member of the unit staff.Whilst I sat waiting I desperately tried to put together the events that led to me wanting to end my life, it didn't make sense to me and it is unlike me to throw the towel in, I have come close to death several times in my life and I'm not yet ready to give up.The more I tried to make sense of it and couldn't, the more panic started to build again.
The panel of four assembled themselves in front of me and I felt suffocated, the questions came and I struggled to give coherent answers (very common with my fibromyalgia - worse in panic situation) - one of the doctors berated me because I was calm before the assessment started, this felt hostile and deepened my panic.The point to note here is that these four medical professionals were assessing my mental stability whilst I was having a panic attack.The decision was made to keep me for up to 48 hours for care and monitoring.I had no problem with this but once my panic had subsided I wanted to know about the process, what would happen, what would be done about my vehicle which was in an unsafe place.None of these answers were given, lots of platitudes such as "we know it must be confusing", "everything will be all right once we get you settled in" and so on.Whilst waiting to transfer me to the accommodation the manger, whilst on the phone in another room, deliberately raised her voice whilst saying "If we have to get hands on ....."I was astonished and immediately put on edge.Four male nurses soon appeared clearly with the intent of physically transferring me if I was not compliant.When all four came into the area I was sat in I said clearly "you are making me feel threatened,If anyone UNNECESSARILY touches me I will defend myself, THIS IS NOT A THREAT I have military training and I will instinctively use it in my defence, there is no need for this I am not going to run away, I just want you to tell me what's going on".

Pete - 15-Jul-18 @ 8:03 PM

After a protracted period of illness, work related stress and personal misfortune I found myself at an all time low this week.I was unaware that I was so low as I have fibromyalgia and have been in a flare up for about 8 months, it makes it hard to tell when something else is wrong.
On Wednesday morning I found myself in a dangerous situation and started to have a panic attack (I often have these) I called for help as I knew the panic attack would have catastrophic results if I couldn't calm myself, talking helps.Within a short time police arrived, I was helped out of the situation and led away, by this time I was in full panic and not functioning well.The police informed me that I was to be detained for my own safety.It helped calm me, just the word 'safety' was enough.
I was taken to Wotton Lawn in Gloucester for my safety and to be cared for as a vulnerable person.I vaguely remember someone telling me my rights and it was basically that I had none.I was to wait for evaluation by three doctors and a senior member of the unit staff.Whilst I sat waiting I desperately tried to put together the events that led to me wanting to end my life, it didn't make sense to me and it is unlike me to throw the towel in, I have come close to death several times in my life and I'm not yet ready to give up.The more I tried to make sense of it and couldn't, the more panic started to build again.
The panel of four assembled themselves in front of me and I felt suffocated, the questions came and I struggled to give coherent answers (very common with my fibromyalgia - worse in panic situation) - one of the doctors berated me because I was calm before the assessment started, this felt hostile and deepened my panic.The point to note here is that these four medical professionals were assessing my mental stability whilst I was having a panic attack.The decision was made to keep me for up to 48 hours for care and monitoring.I had no problem with this but once my panic had subsided I wanted to know about the process, what would happen, what would be done about my vehicle which was in an unsafe place.None of these answers were given, lots of platitudes such as "we know it must be confusing", "everything will be all right once we get you settled in" and so on.Whilst waiting to transfer me to the accommodation the manger, whilst on the phone in another room, deliberately raised her voice whilst saying "If we have to get hands on ....."I was astonished and immediately put on edge.Four male nurses soon appeared clearly with the intent of physically transferring me if I was not compliant.When all four came into the area I was sat in I said clearly "you are making me feel threatened,If anyone UNNECESSARILY touches me I will defend myself, THIS IS NOT A THREAT I have military training and I will instinctively use it in my defence, there is no need for this I am not going to run away, I just want you to tell me what's going on".

Pete - 15-Jul-18 @ 5:44 PM

After a protracted period of illness, work related stress and personal misfortune I found myself at an all time low this week.I was unaware that I was so low as I have fibromyalgia and have been in a flare up for about 8 months, it makes it hard to tell when something else is wrong.
On Wednesday morning I found myself in a dangerous situation and started to have a panic attack (I often have these) I called for help as I knew the panic attack would have catastrophic results if I couldn't calm myself, talking helps.Within a short time police arrived, I was helped out of the situation and led away, by this time I was in full panic and not functioning well.The police informed me that I was to be detained for my own safety.It helped calm me, just the word 'safety' was enough.
I was taken to Wotton Lawn in Gloucester for my safety and to be cared for as a vulnerable person.I vaguely remember someone telling me my rights and it was basically that I had none.I was to wait for evaluation by three doctors and a senior member of the unit staff.Whilst I sat waiting I desperately tried to put together the events that led to me wanting to end my life, it didn't make sense to me and it is unlike me to throw the towel in, I have come close to death several times in my life and I'm not yet ready to give up.The more I tried to make sense of it and couldn't, the more panic started to build again.
The panel of four assembled themselves in front of me and I felt suffocated, the questions came and I struggled to give coherent answers (very common with my fibromyalgia - worse in panic situation) - one of the doctors berated me because I was calm before the assessment started, this felt hostile and deepened my panic.The point to note here is that these four medical professionals were assessing my mental stability whilst I was having a panic attack.The decision was made to keep me for up to 48 hours for care and monitoring.I had no problem with this but once my panic had subsided I wanted to know about the process, what would happen, what would be done about my vehicle which was in an unsafe place.None of these answers were given, lots of platitudes such as "we know it must be confusing", "everything will be all right once we get you settled in" and so on.Whilst waiting to transfer me to the accommodation the manger, whilst on the phone in another room, deliberately raised her voice whilst saying "If we have to get hands on ....."I was astonished and immediately put on edge.Four male nurses soon appeared clearly with the intent of physically transferring me if I was not compliant.When all four came into the area I was sat in I said clearly "you are making me feel threatened,If anyone UNNECESSARILY touches me I will defend myself, THIS IS NOT A THREAT I have military training and I will instinctively use it in my defence, there is no need for this I am not going to run away, I just want you to tell me what's going on".

Pete - 15-Jul-18 @ 12:51 PM

My partner suffers mental health has been a hospital for it before tk bad last wk went to hes sister's house seen by crisis team i spoke to someone to find out the outcome they said he had not been admitted but hes sister is telling me hes in a secure unit getting help and im no longer hes next of kin as she has apparently changed it to her im really concerned need advice is there anything i can do

Cj - 13-Apr-18 @ 12:54 AM

Bang - Your Question:

My 13 year old daughter has been thinking about suicide a lot I checked her search history and saw she’s was looking at ways to die a painless death and the other day I saw some ibuprofen in her room so I think she might od. I’ve taken the ibuprofen away but I was wondering If she does what would happen? What would they do in hospital? I know she will refuse to go to a mental hospital but then what would happen?

Our Response:

Take a look at this guidance on The Mix about how overdose affects you and what treatments might be given.

AboutHumanRights - 6-Apr-18 @ 12:29 PM

My 13 year old daughter has been thinking about suicide a lot I checked her search history and saw she’s was looking at ways to die a painless death and the other day I saw some ibuprofen in her room so I think she might od. I’ve taken the ibuprofen away but I was wondering If she does what would happen? What would they do in hospital? I know she will refuse to go to a mental hospital but then what would happen?

Bang - 5-Apr-18 @ 5:13 PM

Juju - Your Question:

Hi. My son was sectioned under Section 3 last year. He has received no treatment from his hospital. No timetable or careplan has been drawn up. He was also attacked by a patient. This, I have only been informed of as it happened last year. He has not been able to sleep at night as this patient kicks his door and threatens him. I live in Somerset and he is in Norfolk. He is being treated so badly, I have had to call the police as I am worried for his safety. The staff don't care as he calls them names but he cannot help it. They are turning a blind eye to his distress. I have complained to their head office and the response was, the care team should be able to help. They are all biased against him. He was recently restrained and put in seclusion from 2 until 10 at night as he was distressed when I recently visited him. He is not a racist but as most of the care staff are black, they are ganging up on him and treating like this as he calls them names. They have called him a white pig.I would like him to be transferred to another hospital asap as I am worried about his safety.I would appreciate your reply. Please don't say speak to advocate or social worker there as they will not admit their guilt. They would rather blame my son who is extremely vulnerable.

Our Response:

The MIND organisation has good information on how to make an effective complaint about health and social care HERE

AboutHumanRights - 4-Apr-18 @ 12:03 PM

Hi. My son was sectioned under Section 3 last year.He has received no treatment from his hospital.No timetable or careplan has been drawn up.He was also attacked by a patient.This, I have only been informed of as it happened last year.He has not been able to sleep at night as this patient kicks his door and threatens him.I live in Somerset and he is in Norfolk.He is being treated so badly, I have had to call the police as I am worried for his safety.The staff don't care as he calls them names but he cannot help it.They are turning a blind eye to his distress.I have complained to their head office and the response was, the care team should be able to help.They are all biased against him.He was recently restrained and put in seclusion from 2 until 10 at night as he was distressed when I recently visited him.He is not a racist but as most of the care staff are black, they are ganging up on him and treating like this as he calls them names.They have called him a white pig.
I would like him to be transferred to another hospital asap as I am worried about his safety.
I would appreciate your reply.Please don't say speak to advocate or social worker there as they will not admit their guilt.They would rather blame my son who is extremely vulnerable.

Juju - 1-Apr-18 @ 6:51 PM

I have treatment resistant depression with anxiety and anorexia nervosa diagnosed by a national tertiary service.They listed different medication options for my psychiatrist to try and recommended CBY with it.The CMHT insist that it is psychotherapy and not CBT, I have clarified this with the Professor who I saw and in his email he states CBT, so I have refused the offer of psychodynamic psychotherapy andam getting private CBY but since January have only had 4 sessions because of illness.I also have agoraphobia and we have been working on that and not the depression during the sessions.
I have had a crisis and tried to kill myself on a railway level crossing three weeks ago.Last week the psychiatrist phoned and offered me hospital admission to change my medication to the second option suggested by the Professor but I said no as I wanted to try the CBT for longer with the current meds.He then turned up the next day with my care coordinator and I still refused hospital admission.He said that he would apply to section me then, under section 2.I got a phone call saying that they would all be coming to my house at 1.00pm the next day to do the mental health act assessment.So I ran away so they couldn't do it.
I came back the next day after talking to the AMP who said that the team had decided not to carry on.I later phoned my care coordinator to find out when the consultant would next see me now, and when she would visit and she said that they were discharging me as I had refused to go into hospital to change the medication.I would go in in after the CBT has been tried alongside the current medication for 12 weeks if it doesn't work but they are not listening.
I don't understand how I could have been so unwell and at risk that they were trying to compulsory admit me, and then two days later I'm well enough to be discharged.
I am on some medication that is so much higher than the BNF dose that the psychiatrist had to get permission from the Trust pharmacist to prescribe it, even though it was recommended in the Professor's report.
Is there anything that I can do about this?

Muddled - 25-Feb-18 @ 11:52 AM

My 1st husband committed a crime when our child was 4. He was diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia while incarcerated. He was locked up until our child was 18. Can the child get back pay since no child support was ever received?

Lil' bit - 20-Feb-18 @ 10:09 AM

Boom - Your Question:

I got with my partner in January of this year. He staryed off absolutely perfect in every way and I fell madly in love with him.After a couple of months into our relationship he would become loud and aggressive after a few drinks, his behaviour was irrational and he would do bizarre things for attention. When he hadn't been drinking he seemed a normal hard working guy, quiet in fact. When I questioned him about his strange behaviour when sober he would get very defensive and brush it off as just being drunk. Unfortunately over the next few months his behaviour got worse and worse, and on a few occasions when I asked him to leave my home he refused to go, locked me in, hid the keys smashed phone's up and on one occasion he bashed my hand against a wall whilst holding my throat to get my phone from me to stop me phoning the police.the police were called on a number of occasions by my neighbours and once by myself!.I eventually told him we could no longer be together as he was too unstable, I have 2 children and although he had never acted like this in front of them I was very aware that he might do so!.Everything came to a head in August when I told home he had to move out and get some kind of help!.It was very hearbreaking to see the effect this had on him because he truly is a kind, decent,.I was interviewed and asked if I had cut my partners hand with the knife that I had used to cut him down, he also had cut to the back of his head where he had landed when I cut him down, they asked if I had done it with the knife?I was scared to death!.I was then released under investigation.my partner couldn't remember anything he was in intensive care for 6 days but has made a full recovery.because of the seriousness of the accusations made against me social services became involved and I wasn't allowed to be on my own with my children until the investigation was resolved.my children's fathers were notified and my children were put on a child in need order, I had to sign an agreement to say 8 wouldn't have any contact with my ex partner again!.I have stuck to this plan as m6 children come first, they are my life!!!! However I have since been made aware that my ex partner was abused as a child which has led to this behaviour, he is now having psychiatric help in a mental health facility and has asked me through a mutual friend if I would consider a relationship with him if he got better.I want to know, is this even possible? Am I crazy myself even considering it? Trust me he would have to pass every test going to get near my children again!! If I could guarantee I would have the kind sweet loving guy back knowing 100% I would never see that destructive side of him again I would fight for him.After everything I've been through I should hate him but I know that he isnt really that awful man!

Our Response:

We really can't advise you what to do in theses circumstances as we don't know either of your personally. Maybe someone else reading this will have had a similar experience and can share.

AboutHumanRights - 17-Nov-17 @ 10:56 AM

I got with my partner in January of this year.He staryed off absolutely perfect in every way and i fell madly in love with him....After a couple of months into our relationship he would become loud and aggressive after a few drinks, his behaviour was irrational and he would do bizarre things for attention. When he hadn't been drinking he seemed a normal hard working guy, quiet in fact.When I questioned him about his strange behaviour when soberhe would get very defensive and brush it off as just being drunk. Unfortunately over the next few months his behaviour got worse and worse, and on a few occasions when I asked him to leave my home he refused to go, locked me in, hid the keys smashed phone's up and on one occasion he bashed my hand against a wall whilst holding my throat to get my phone from me to stop me phoning the police...the police were called on a number of occasions by my neighbours and once by myself!...I eventually told him we could no longer be together as he was too unstable, I have 2 children and although he had never acted like this in front of them I was very aware that he might do so!...Everything came to a head in August when I told home he had to move out and get some kind of help!..It was very hearbreaking to see the effect this had on him because he truly is a kind, decent, ..I was interviewed and asked if I had cut my partners hand with the knife that I had used to cut him down, he also had cut to the back of his head where he had landed when I cut him down, they asked if I had done it with the knife?...I was scared to death!..I was then released under investigation...my partner couldn't remember anything he was in intensive care for 6 days but has made a full recovery....because of the seriousness of the accusations made against me social services became involved and I wasn't allowed to be on my own with my children until the investigation was resolved...my children's fathers were notified and my children were put on a child in need order, I had to sign an agreement to say 8 wouldn't have any contact with my ex partner again!....I have stuck to this plan as m6 children come first, they are my life!!!! However I have since been made aware that my ex partner was abused as a child whichhas led to this behaviour, he is now having psychiatric help in a mental health facility and has asked me through a mutual friend if I would consider a relationship with him if he got better....I want to know, is this even possible? Am I crazy myself even considering it? Trust me he would have to pass every test going to get near my children again!! If I could guarantee I would have the kind sweet loving guy back knowing 100% I would never see that destructive side of him again I would fight for him...After everything I've been through I should hate him but I know that he isnt really that awful man!

Boom - 16-Nov-17 @ 3:56 AM

i'm living with my partner for 7 months after we were apart for 24 years but now that his living with me i can see him changinghis has really bad mental health problems he has hit me in the pass his not been taking his meds also i'm scared to tell him to go he has hit me but i think he needs to go to hospitali'm really scared of him please if anyone can help me

missb - 14-Oct-17 @ 12:40 PM

ConCerned!!! - Your Question:

My brother-in-law is 53 years old has Schizophrenia and no income or insurance. His mother had to call mobile crisis and place him in a private mental hospital. He didn't like it. Reason for the removable from the home. totally unsure but he is very large aggressive man that is very threatening toward his mother and step-father on a day to day bases. He fought back and attacked a few people and a police officer. They arrested him and took him from that mental hospital and placed him in a state lock down mental ward until the court hearing which he will face 3 assault charges. His mother is worried about what to do since he has no income or insurance. Any advice??? Very Concerned.

Our Response:

Unfortunately our site is UK based and we can only really comment on the UK system. It might be worth asking on a US based website.

AboutHumanRights - 26-Sep-17 @ 2:04 PM

My brother-in-law is 53 years old has
Schizophrenia and no income or insurance. His mother had to call mobile crisis and place him in a private mental hospital. He didn't like it. Reason for the removable from the home.... totally unsure but he is very large aggressive man that is very threatening toward his mother and step-father on a day to day bases. He fought back and attacked a few people and a police officer. They arrested him and took him from that mental hospital and placed him in a state lock down mental ward until the court hearing which he will face 3 assault charges. His mother is worried about what to do since he has no income or insurance. Any advice??? Very Concerned.

ConCerned!!! - 25-Sep-17 @ 3:15 AM

Currently being illegally detained at Peter Hodgkinson Centre in Lincoln UK. Being raped every night by patients and staff

Lou - 29-Aug-17 @ 5:39 PM

My partner has been detained under the mental health act section 4. The Doctor told us as I was there with him that he is going to hospital so they could attempt an MRI and get him diagnosed and treatment started. Instead the Doctor lied and told the police my partner locked him in a room and threatened him!!!! I was there!! This is completely untrue and now my partner is locked up and I can't see him! We were sitting outside having a cigarette with this Doctor when the police turned up!!! What can I do to help him!??

EmJ - 23-Aug-17 @ 8:30 PM

You posted my article in 2015. I was illegal committed by a police officer and my now X.After attempted murder in 2016 I opened up my case. Documented my X paid off the handy man I hired. When Cleoleft the house hidden damages and I was robbed. Just what I loved and not of value. The next day and for 5 days my dog and I became extremely I'll at night. My alarm company picked up carbon monoxide. Brought the firemen thank goodness. The gas line in the attic and water lines slightly open. Gas was coming down to the second floor.
Opened up my case. His lawyers Secretary sent me papers and bills I hadn't seen.June 4 per my lawyers request. Dennis is coming back to the house and taking what is mine. Joint so legal by the police. My lawyer refused to go to the magistrate. Domestic criminal trespassing law he says he doesn't have to. Tell the cops he should be arrested.So I gave my complaint to a cop of what was stolen. The cop left and called my X. He came back said I was crazy and more. Angry As I bent my arm to my chest and said what. Fist closed and he yelled felony felony but since he new my now x he wouldn't. I just found after I left him when I was sitting on my friends front porch 2 officers drove by. There report says disturbance. Another one says I called them. I didn't have my cell with me. That day I had called my lawyer about the officer yelling felony at me and that was it. Told him to get his act together. 2 days later Dennis's lawyer calls mine. He said give her a guardian. Within 2 hours Dennis is in court. I was delusional and persicutory against him. The cops name is in my IVC. I was crazy found under a tree. No mention of the two fictious police reports. But the one where I was sitting on my friends front porch they just put down disturbance.That might I was taken away. I vanished from every one for 19 days. I called my Lawyer. I'm just your divorce lawyer. In the nurses notes Dennis calls the unit and says he is my son and throws in suicide. 4days later I got to call my lawyer. Oh he would take care of it. A letter to the police and many higher up government employees cutting down the chief how I was mistreated. He didn't tell the police where I was. Next he calls the RN. I'm her divorce lawyer and he didn't know why I was there. Then he was working on giving me a power of attorney. My lawyer every one thought he was for me. He even talked to the magistrate and lied or moved around of words. Oh how caring he was. Day 17 I finally got an advocate. She said she would get me out ASAP. I just found out there was a court date the next day. My lawyer that day called the staff and told them he had a guardian and power of attorney. I was fine and discharged. With days the sheriff comes to my house. Dennis is taking me to court for a guardian. Now found my lawyer was taking me to court. In case of insanity to give me a guardian. Told it was Dennis who filed.Just prior to court he can't go and sent another lawyer. Met

Mary - 10-Aug-17 @ 2:52 AM

Mad mom - Your Question:

Can a detective get information about my child from a mental hospital? Her words were go around the HIPAA POLICY. CAN SHE DO THAT??

Our Response:

We can only really comment on UK matters unfortunately, sorry.

AboutHumanRights - 25-Jul-17 @ 12:41 PM

Can a detective get information about my child from a mental hospital? Her words were go around the HIPAA POLICY. CAN SHE DO THAT??

Mad mom - 19-Jul-17 @ 5:21 AM

My Daughter has BDP and has been in hospital for 3 yrs under section 3 of the mental health act and was retrained by members of staff in hosptail and punch a memeber of staff and turned on the sprinkers and flooded the ward, can you be arrest for Assult and crimal damage? as the police have been to interview her on her own.....

ladyleo - 18-Jul-17 @ 4:55 PM

I was admitted into Hospital due to my GP overdosing me with antibiotics causing liver injury and a rash with an itch that was pure mental torture! My ALT was at 600. While in hospital I couldn't take anything for itch orally because of liver, I asked the nurse for calamine lotion and I was told they didnt stock it so I couldnt get the relief I desperately needed! I was not given any relief itch was all over my body, honestly it was mental torture. I was explaining to the nurse that I needed relief as the itch was mental torture and that I would rather die than deal with itch! Figure of speech!I was sectioned and when I tried to leave to get me the calamine lotion the relief I desperately needed the hospital had their thugs drag me back like an animal arms twisted so far up my back it felt like it was going to break. I was sectioned and assaulted by hospital staff because I needed relief! The way patients are sectioned has to reviewed doctors should not be allowed to take peoples rights away just because of calamine lotion. I now fear going back to the only hospital in my city in fear this could happen to me again. I am still suffering from liver injury but am having major anxieties about returning to the hospital cant get the help I desperately need because liver specialist and all other specialists are seen at the hospital.

Vata - 11-Jul-17 @ 1:37 PM

Nephew locked up involuntarily at mental hospital. They won't let any family member talk to him or give any news about how long he will be there and won't take our phone numbers down. What can we do?

Goldie - 21-Jun-17 @ 12:16 AM

My brother was recently committed involuntarily and the hospital refuses to let anyone stalk to him, they say I have to have his patient ID number but won't tell what it is. They said he would have to call me but he doesn't know my number. What can I do or how do I obtain his IDd number?

Houdini - 1-Jun-17 @ 4:42 PM

My partner had a mental health break down an contacted the doctors in which they gave him a emergency appointment when he went he turned up an spoke to them they told him there was nothing they could do.. So he smashed up the doctors room an now the police are after him.. What grounds does he have and what could happen?

Girl123 - 22-May-17 @ 9:12 PM

young - Your Question:

I son is 15 and is in a long term mental health facility and was punched in the face by staff member it was caught on tape his lip is busted and the ceo of the company is call to apologize what kind of case is this and what do I do next I thought my child was safe. this was a mental and treatment set back for him I feel.

Our Response:

Speak to a professional legal adviser to find out more about taking court action.

AboutHumanRights - 3-May-17 @ 2:08 PM

I son is 15 and is in a long term mental health facility and was punched in the face by staff member it was caught on tape his lip is busted and the ceo of the company is call to apologize what kind of case is this and what do I do next I thought my child was safe. this was a mental and treatment set back for him i feel.

young - 3-May-17 @ 3:28 AM

Char, your community should have low cost or no cost legal aid. They might be able to find out if the hospital had security cameras in the hallways, and whether it can provide evidence.

A - 20-Apr-17 @ 10:01 PM

Commit the crime do the time , go home clean cut , don't become a victim to the legal drug pushing companies that pay taxes to let mental health units abuse your rights and take away any last part of dignity you have even when crying for help as they will never leave you alone as you become a great customer for there drugs and services that waste millions on over paid resources be strong and cope best as you can without signing away your future hell to strangers in sheepskin clothing you will be abused and abused only at times to be frustrated and angry having all your actions used against you to the extreme and exaggerated so you are risk danger to the public? Really when all you did was cry for help be careful as this mockery of rights have to changed and abusers of patients must be imprisioned themselves and then they will know how they will want to be treated and feel what is and has beefing going on must stop.

Natty - 16-Apr-17 @ 11:52 AM

Mental health act is totally in the dark ages , rights taken away no explains ions ever given you when you show your integrity , no kind of amendments made on notes or displinary on wrong treament made by care teams no sacking or even apologies when proof shown about the persons care totally illegal on the governments behalf when will this mental health act become open to question open to amendments for destroying innocent parties kept against there given write when they have shown no risk on there behalf to others too many false imprisioned by this money stealing scheme made to benefit proffessionals that would never have a job should there not be such an act ,total abuse of human rights . As for the recutied nurses they seem to be all from over sea and have no common knowledge to communicate well with the British generation today nurses are supposed to be of multi cultural society when you visit hospitals you tend to find a social club of majority the same people with ill manners towards British culture hence allows them to do as they please with citizens at there mercy back by board room criminals